Spare the Old man
Posted : August 31, 2009 at 5:35 am [IST]
I and perhaps many pity Advani. What a poor end of a public career! Is it because of his aging or because of the bad company? Is it the true face of Indian politics and politicians? Is not the same happening with Lalu- the miracle man of railway and the hero of Bihar?
Perhaps the biggest mistake of Advani was his continuance after the defeat of BJP in last general election. But perhaps the humane greed to remain important as long as possible or pressure from his close followers in the divided BJP didn’t allow him to take that magnanimous decision on exit that would have raised his personal image. Further, Advani remained as the head of the family but hesitated to assert and take the command fully, perhaps in preparation to retire. And that caused the uncertainly in the party, indiscipline in hierarchy and the consequent damage.
But it has been some very senior BJP leaders as well as intellectuals such as Jaswant Singh, and Shourie who have shown their real mean faces. It was something like a revolt against the aging family head that has gone weak physically and mentally. What have been both the dissidents doing in all their statement and interviews against the old man to the press or on TV and what will they get with this? Would have they said the same if Advani would have own election for BJP or he would have been bold enough to thrust himself for the next five years? Why is Mr. Shourie so critical of his colleagues? Is it his inferiority complex or meanness? I never expected Shourie to be like that, as I respected his views as well as his efficiency as minister. But perhaps he is not a team worker. His ‘Walk the Talk’ with Shekhar Gupta was horrible against all personal ethics. Why should he be so much vocal against Advani at this stage? I am sure he would not reach anywhere near Advani’s stature in the national politics. What will Jaswant attain by revealing that Advani knew his adventure to Kandhar? Why should today Jaswant talk about cash for vote and blame Advani for that? Will the two have any place again in the parent party or are they switching to Amar Singh or Sonia? Why should even a person such as Swapan, just a journalist, advise Advani to take lesson from Sonia Gandhi?
All these are the typical Indian characteristics of individuals in every field, be it in corporate, bureaucracy or politics. I faced the same in my professional career. The people, who used to be very good and ready to do anything for me, would not have the basic courtesy to wish me, when I used to get shifted to other department or out of power.
Everyone in India wants BJP to get out of the mess faster, emerge stronger after this democratic turmoil, and work as a responsible opposition party in national interest. The few dissenting old men at the top in BJP must realize that and either must relent and live in peace with the new generation leadership or retire and write books. I wish RSS with BJP sets some behavioural norms for the top leaders. It is possible if the senior leaders of the party agree for just one thing: Before coming to a decision, everyone can fight, argue, discuss in close door meetings. But after the decision is made, none has got any right to dissent even with a facial gesture in public view. If they feel so strongly against any decision, they must leave the party rather than continuing as undisciplined member.
I wish media must also spare the old man. What national purpose it serves when an immature news reader or a reporter makes humiliating remarks about this old man who had all but the destiny to become the prime minister of the country.
PS: I have decided not to write any more in future on this topic.
- Indra
Category: Indian politics |
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